TRIBUTES have been paid to a ‘devoted’ volunteer who campaigned for a Dorset steam railway for more than 40 years.

Moyra Cross, who has died aged 92, was one of a number of campaigners whose association with Swanage Railway dates back to 1969, when a petition was started against British Rail closing the 10-mile branch line from Wareham.

She was a pioneering member of the Isle of Purbeck Preservation Group in 1969 – which was formed to prevent closure – and then the Swanage Railway Society from 1972, as well as the Swanage to Wareham Railway Group, which were formed to rebuild the much-missed line.

Peter Frost, a founder Swanage Railway member, said: “Everyone owes a huge debt of thanks to Moyra, and her fellow campaigners, for volunteering to stand up in the community in the face of opposition during the early days – as well as for such a magnificent contribution in making the Swanage Railway so successful.

“Moyra’s contribution to the Swanage Railway over so many years will never be forgotten.

“She was, and is, an inspiration to the generations of Swanage Railway volunteers who follow in her footsteps.”

In September, 2002, Moyra helped to officially name a new multi-million pound inter-regional Virgin express train ‘Dorset Voyager’ at Swanage station along with fellow stalwart Swanage Railway volunteer Stan Symes.

Swanage Railway Trust Chairman Gavin Johns said: “Everyone was saddened to learn of Moyra’s death as she was a much-loved and appreciated long-standing supporter of the Swanage Railway who was always dependable and devoted to the cause for more than 40 years.

“She had been an active volunteer providing countless hours of practical support to the Swanage Railway which we truly appreciate. We extend our condolences to her family at this sad time but take heart in the knowledge of the unwavering support that she gave to the Railway and the town of Swanage.”

Moyra and her husband Ronald – known to everyone on the Swanage Railway as Roger – moved to Swanage early in 1969 after the pair retired from a large insurance company in London.

Moyra was one of the first volunteers in the fledgling station shop at Swanage when it opened in 1976 and was also on duty in the shop in 2009 when the diesel and steam trains ran from London down to the Purbeck seaside resort for the first time since 1972 and 1967 respectively.

Family and friends attended her funeral earlier this month at St Mary’s Church in Swanage.